Tokyo Olympics: Sons of rugby league, water polo stars heading to Games

They come from sporting families and now this son of an NRL hardman and a set of brothers are out to make waves in the Olympic arena.

If Aidan ‘AJ’ Roach ever contemplated following his famous father into rugby league he just had to stand up and walk around a bit to realise he was better off in fan gear on the sidelines.

The Sydney athlete, who shunned his fathers sport for a better fit, will play at his third Olympics besides two sets of brothers and two four-time Olympians.

Unlike his father, NRL legend and former Kangaroo prop Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach, the water polo gun admits co-ordination isn’t his best quality on land.

Water polo star AJ Roach is the son of former rugby league star Steve Blocker Roach.

“I can’t run 10m to save myself. I’d just trip and break my leg,’’ Roach said

But just like his dad, this Gladesville player thrives on the physicality of his sport and is tipping plenty of heated battles in Tokyo where the Sharks are outsiders for a water polo medal.

“It’s very physical, very tough. Every team is there for the same reason and that’s to win,’’ said Roach, who was red carded in a game in Rio and sported a nasty cut to his face after the clash.

“The stakes are higher and that translates into the water.

“I like the physicality of it. I’ve been brushed up a fair few times but my head doesn’t look as bad as dad’s.

“I’m always on the losing end though. I can’t punch my way out of a paper bag.’’

Father and son before the Rio Olympics.

NSW Institute of Sport brothers Blake and Lachie Edwards will make their debuts in Tokyo along with Andrew Ford, who will also play alongside his sibling George who was part of the team in Rio.

Blake and Lachlan’s father Robert played water polo for Australia in the 1970s with mother Lyn a former top swimmer.

Centre Lachlan, who grew up in Melbourne but now lives at Drummoyne with his brother, fell agonisingly short of making the Rio team five years ago when named as a reserve.

“We are beyond excited and mum and dad are very proud,’’ Blake said.

“To make an Olympic team is one thing, to do it with your younger brother is something else.’’

Blake and Lachie Edwards at Drummoyne are two of four brothers on the water polo team

The women’s water polo team also boasts a number of daughters of former top sportsmen with Bronte Halligan the daughter of NRL gun Daryl, Tilly Kearns the daughter of former Wallaby Phil and Gabi Palm the daughter of Australian rugby union player Mitchell.

Rhys Howden and Richie Campbell are heading to their fourth Olympics along with seven debutants and captain Aaron Younger, who like Roach will compete in the Games arena for a third time.

AUSTRALIAN MEN’S TOKYO OLYMPIC WATER POLO TEAM:

Richie Campbell, Joel Dennerley, Lachlan Edwards, Blake Edwards, Andrew Ford, George Ford, Rhys Howden, Anthony Hrysanthos, Nathan Power, Timothy Putt, Aidan Roach, Goran Tomasevic, Aaron Younger.